Project 3: The Neural Basis of Motion Guidance Loops Abstract The goal of Project 3 is to characterize the third level of four nested control loops, namely the Neural Basis of Motion Guidance. Motion guidance loops operate at the intersection of sensory and motor circuits to initiate and coordinate goal-directed behaviors. This project will dissect the circuits that control visually guided flight, that relay signals from motor centers into the visual periphery, and that underlie context-dependent switching of visual responses. To do this, the project will make use of genetic driver lines to target specific neuron types, as well as genetic effector molecules that alter neural activity and calcium dynamics. Functional outputs of the system will be measured using calcium and voltage imaging, as well as whole-cell electrophysiological recordings of neural activity, and behavior. Computational modeling will play central roles in both the design of visual stimuli, as well as in studies of network architecture and behavior. These efforts are divided into the following three Aims.
Specific Aim 1 : Determine the cellular basis of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback in the flight motor system.
Specific Aim 2 : Determine how motor commands and hunger affect visual processing.
Specific Aim 3 : Investigate the mechanisms by which odor cues can switch the direction of visual orienting reflexes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Program--Cooperative Agreements (U19)
Project #
1U19NS104655-01
Application #
9444307
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZNS1)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2017-09-01
Budget End
2018-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
California Institute of Technology
Department
Type
DUNS #
009584210
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91125
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van Breugel, Floris; Huda, Ainul; Dickinson, Michael H (2018) Distinct activity-gated pathways mediate attraction and aversion to CO2 in Drosophila. Nature 564:420-424
Tuthill, John C; Wilson, Rachel I (2016) Parallel Transformation of Tactile Signals in Central Circuits of Drosophila. Cell 164:1046-59